Ex Corde 2017 Talk 1

Using dramatic theories and categories, Fr. Dela Cruz built on Hans Urs von Balthazar’s Theo-drama, which “focuses on the inner life of the Trinity entering the drama of human existence,” and his mentor and friend Alejandro Garcia-Rivera’s Theodramatics, which focuses on the “human side… human suffering and the struggle to find one’s role in God’s saving drama.” The result is the Theo-Dula that Fr. Dela Cruz proposes as a theological approach to expressions of popular religion.

The Price of the Drug War — Part 1

I had my second viewing of the remarkable 2016 sci-fi movie Arrival. That was recently, when I used it as a “reflection trigger” for a semi-directed retreat I gave for an engaged couple preparing for their wedding day. I noted the nuances of the film with more intensity this time, with its many layers opening up for analysis, reflection, and interpretation.

It’s been a year since I wrote a blog entry on Martial Law. Sad to say, but the revisionists are at it again, more than ever. We have to hold fast and keep guard -- more than ever as well. Nevertheless we can’t be happier and more excited at least with the opening of...

Ongoing Formation Series (OGF) AY 2017-2018 Talk 2

What kind of leadership does the Church need today? Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo drew from the wisdom of Pope Francis and Evangelii Gaudium (EG) as he presented what governance in the Church requires in our time during the second installment of this academic year’s Ongoing Formation Series (OGF) in DBCS last September 11.

Once again I sit multitasking at my office desk. Which necessarily includes going over my FB News Feed, even just in the “background.” But suddenly, I am completely stalled. No, not again — I think to myself. I am stopped and stuck in my tracks, in a state of shock, sadness, and anger. Another teenager has been killed. I don’t even need to go to further details…

The accompanying photo for this blog post is that of a wood carving depicting the Good Shepherd. I received it as a souvenir, back in 2008 during our congregation’s 26th General Chapter in Rome. It’s actually from the Holy Land, carved out of olive wood. However (from the aesthetic point of view), it didn’t really strike me then. In fact, even until now. Nevertheless, for some strange reason, I still keep this wood carving with me.

Here’s my take on Silence using the youth ministry lens: It strikes me that the young Jesuit priests Rodrigues (portrayed by Andrew Garfield) and Garupe (Adam Driver) were both students of Ferreira (Liam Neeson). Their determination to go and search for him, despite the threat of persecution and death (shown in the introductory scenes when the two were discussing plans with their superior), and then the crucial, face-to-face confrontation between Rodrigues and Ferreira later, were two pivotal and potent moments.

It’s so easy to give in to indifference and to cover up the pain, to sweep things under the rug or to just whitewash the whole thing. But it cannot be so. More than ever. If white is the presence of all colors, and black on the other hand is their absence — then there are no shades of gray for me in this case.

Ongoing Formation Series (OGF) AY 2017-2018 Talk 1

From the moment of its birth, communion was meant to be a mark of the Church. It is after all as Vatican II clearly taught, the People of God. It is not an edifice or building but “the people loved by God and called into a communion of life and love with Him and with one another.” Speaking on the Church as Communion, Professor of Dogmatic Theology Fr. Anthony Nguyen, SDB began the OGF Series this year….